Report of the Working Group on Marine Sediments in Relation to Pollution (WGMS)

The Working Group on Marine Sediments in Relation to Pollution (WGMS) met on 5–9 March 2018, in San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia, Spain). The meeting was co-chaired by C Robinson (UK) and MJ Belzunce Segarra (Spain) and attended by six members from four countries, plus one member of the hosting institute (IEO). Additionally, contributions were received from five members from five countries and additional contributions from Italian and Spanish experts.WGMS has five Terms of Reference (ToR) due for completion in 2020, and one ToR to complete in 2019. These require the Group to (1) complete the guidelines and review on passive sampling techniques and work to progress on the development of database related with assessment criteria for passive sampling; (2) review the regulated substances and thresholds used in management of dredging activities and monitoring the disposal sites; (3) review the existing sediment quality criteria; (4) assess the relevance and the potential risk impact of (micro-) plastics in sediments; (5) review the occurrence of substances of emerging concern; (6) investigate/review the potential for release of contaminants from marine renewable energy activities.In 2018, good progress was made on all ToRs. Valuable inputs were made by staff of the host institute to ToR E (contaminants of emerging concern) and by videoconference con-tributions to ToR B (Dredging Activities) and ToR G (Passive Sampling). Special focus was put on the potential impacts of the marine micro-plastics (ToR D), with two presen-tations and discussion. Work to progress the ToRs further was agreed.Three documents for publication under ToR G were further worked on and are nearing completion.